The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[ancestry]

ok, now a question about the daybeds. How exactly do they work- do they actually fold out, or do you simply remove the pillows off the back of the couch to create the bed?

I understand the lodge tower rooms do not have daybeds- it's just a normal couch/loveseat. Correct?

Thanks!

I believe the most rooms at the GF sleep five people. However the lodge tower rooms only sleep four people because they do not have the daybed. Here is a layout of a lodge tower room.

I did get this image off of the Internet a while ago when we were deciding to book CL but I don't recall which site I got it from.

 

[ClareH37]

Thanks again to all who've given me some great ideas

 

[ClareH37]

Sorry, another question and probably an odd one at that

I've never been that keen on elevators but over the last year it's got worse and I really try and avoid them where I can.

I'm staying in the RPC and asked the IPO if there was a non elevator way to access the RPC, I didn't have a great response, so I thought it would be a good idea to ask those of you who have stayed at the RPC - do you know if there is anyway to avoid the elevators?

Thanks

 

[johnsonet]

Sorry, another question and probably an odd one at that

I've never been that keen on elevators but over the last year it's got worse and I really try and avoid them where I can.

I'm staying in the RPC and asked the IPO if there was a non elevator way to access the RPC, I didn't have a great response, so I thought it would be a good idea to ask those of you who have stayed at the RPC - do you know if there is anyway to avoid the elevators?

Thanks

Unfortunately, no - b/c you must get from the 2d floor to the 3d floor. From the 1st floor, there are stairs up to the second (both the "grand" staircase by the cage elevator and at the back of the lobby, by Garden View Lounge and the pastel portraits area. Then from the third floor (where the RPC CMs sit and check you in, help with ADRs, etc.) you can walk up to 4th (food offerings and lounge) or 5th floors on small, carpeted staircases. But from 2d to 3d you must take the elevators.
I'm sure for fire safety there must be staircases SOMEWHERE but I don't know where, unless it entailed a LOT of out-of-the-way walking, as in over on the Gasparilla Grill end of the building...

What was IPO's response??

 

[ClareH37]

Unfortunately, no - b/c you must get from the 2d floor to the 3d floor. From the 1st floor, there are stairs up to the second (both the "grand" staircase by the cage elevator and at the back of the lobby, by Garden View Lounge and the pastel portraits area. Then from the third floor (where the RPC CMs sit and check you in, help with ADRs, etc.) you can walk up to 4th (food offerings and lounge) or 5th floors on small, carpeted staircases. But from 2d to 3d you must take the elevators.
I'm sure for fire safety there must be staircases SOMEWHERE but I don't know where.

What was IPO's response??

Thanks, that's what I guessed.

IPO were a little 'cold' in their response but basically just said 'no' - I'm used to dealing with the Epcot resort IPO who are quite a bit 'warmer', maybe I hit a bad day with the GF IPO as the email itself had no name/IPO details, which I felt a little strange.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

No, unfortunately that's their normal way. Of all the IPOs I've dealt with, they are the least chatty. They usually get the job done, but without any warm and fuzzies.

I wanted to second johnsonet's info. I can't think of any way from the second to the third floor except by elevator.

Figment1990 - so close! I know what you mean about making so many plans at the GF while staying elsewhere, we always do the same. And I smiled at your comment about the smell of the lobby, I was just saying the same to a CM in booking and they didn't know what I meant! The flowers smell so wonderful.

 

[johnsonet]

Thanks, that's what I guessed.

IPO were a little 'cold' in their response but basically just said 'no' - I'm used to dealing with the Epcot resort IPO who are quite a bit 'warmer', maybe I hit a bad day with the GF IPO as the email itself had no name/IPO details, which I felt a little strange.

I hate that they do that! So lame...

I've been dealing with BC IPO too and I agree - they're SO friendly!

If you're staying in the main building at GF you're in for quite a treat

I'm sorry about the elevator. I don't like them either and my DD used to be terrified. We stayed in a turret room on the 5th floor once while she was going through this... in fact, I believe we HAD to take an elevator from the 5th floor to the 4th?? Now I'm confused. I've only stayed on the 5th floor once. Can someone help me remember - are there stairs between 4th and 5th floors in the main building, right off the lobby atrium?

IPO may have been uncomfortable giving you "inside" info that could aid in getting non-RPC guests up to the lounge

Good luck and enjoy your stay. Perhaps request 3d or 4th floor room, ClareH37

 

[k&a&c'smom]

johnsonet - I don't know for sure, either. I thought that the carpeted stairs that go from the 3rd floor CM desks to the 4th floor lounge ended at the 4th, but I could be wrong. If there are other stairs from 4th to 5th, I don't know where they are - no help at all. We've stayed on the 5th floor once, and I'm pretty sure we had to take the elevator down to the 4th, but I'll have to ask DD.

I'll bet you are exactly right about IPO not wanting to give out info that allows non-CL guests access.

 

[ClareH37]

I hate that they do that! So lame...

I've been dealing with BC IPO too and I agree - they're SO friendly!

If you're staying in the main building at GF you're in for quite a treat

I'm sorry about the elevator. I don't like them either and my DD used to be terrified. We stayed in a turret room on the 5th floor once while she was going through this... in fact, I believe we HAD to take an elevator from the 5th floor to the 4th?? Now I'm confused. I've only stayed on the 5th floor once. Can someone help me remember - are there stairs between 4th and 5th floors in the main building, right off the lobby atrium?

IPO may have been uncomfortable giving you "inside" info that could aid in getting non-RPC guests up to the lounge

Good luck and enjoy your stay. Perhaps request 3d or 4th floor room, ClareH37

Thanks again everyone, you guys are great

I've already put my request in for a 4th floor room Only thing is, I've got a deluxe king and I've since learnt via this thread they are on the 2nd floor in addition to the other floors, I really hope I don't get one on the 2nd floor, I really will not enjoy getting the elevator up from the 1st floor to the 3rd, then down again to the 2nd, urgh!

Hopefully the RPC CMs will be able to point me in the right direct re. stairs, but if not I'll survive the elevators if it's a price I have to pay to stay on the RPC lol

 

[k&a&c'smom]

ClareH37 - Now that they are separating the theme park view from the standard view in RPC, it may be a moot point. The second floor deluxe king rooms have a theme park view, so if you don't have that category booked, you probably don't have to worry.

 

[ClareH37]

ClareH37 - Now that they are separating the theme park view from the standard view in RPC, it may be a moot point. The second floor deluxe king rooms have a theme park view, so if you don't have that category booked, you probably don't have to worry.

I will be very happy if that's the case, thank you

 

[johnsonet]

Thanks again everyone, you guys are great

I've already put my request in for a 4th floor room Only thing is, I've got a deluxe king and I've since learnt via this thread they are on the 2nd floor in addition to the other floors, I really hope I don't get one on the 2nd floor, I really will not enjoy getting the elevator up from the 1st floor to the 3rd, then down again to the 2nd, urgh!

Hopefully the RPC CMs will be able to point me in the right direct re. stairs, but if not I'll survive the elevators if it's a price I have to pay to stay on the RPC lol

Clare - request a turret room! They are beautiful and they are King Deluxe RPC room! You would go crazy! They are fab

I didn't care for my 2d floor King Deluxe room. WAY too far from the action I like to be ON the lobby atrium, or at least close by. It's so nice - and more convenient to the lounge (and the stairs!)

I'd request a turret room I'll post some pics for you in a minute!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I went to look at the category description, and it looks like the king deluxe rooms may NOT have the std. view and MK view separated. Here is the description from the website (johnsonet posted the new categories for us on page 218):

**Main Bldg - Deluxe King Room - Club Level
Concierge service at the Royal Palm Club includes personalized Front Desk and Guest Services, turndown service and a lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea, evening wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres, and late night cordials and desserts. All rooms have one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Amenities include DVD player, in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, make-up mirror, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Main Building, Concierge Honeymoon Rooms offer views of Magic Kingdom theme park or the grounds of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.**

That seems to indicate that they are still including both types of rooms in the deluxe - king category, oddly enough. So, you probably want to speak with IPO and explain that you prefer to be on the floor that requires the least use of elevators. Good luck!

ETA - didn't see your post, johnsonet! I agree, the turret rooms are wonderful.

 

[johnsonet]

The turret rooms also have wet bars as in this room:

 

[ClareH37]

OMG your photos are amazing!

I have just called the IPO after the original lucklustre response and have spoken to a wonderfully helpful (and cheerful CM), she advised that the deluxe kings are on the 2nd floor with a couple on the 3rd floor (she didn't mention the 4th floor?) - she is making sure the room assigner is aware of my dislike for elevators and is requesting a 3rd floor room for me to keep my "time in the elevator to a minimum" - fingers crossed, but I definitely feel happier now

 

[johnsonet]

OMG your photos are amazing!

I have just called the IPO after the original lucklustre response and have spoken to a wonderfully helpful (and cheerful CM), she advised that the deluxe kings are on the 2nd floor with a couple on the 3rd floor (she didn't mention the 4th floor?) - she is making sure the room assigner is aware of my dislike for elevators and is requesting a 3rd floor room for me to keep my "time in the elevator to a minimum" - fingers crossed, but I definitely feel happier now

Good luck. Perhaps the turret rooms now are in their own category? If you care to follow up w/ an email, you might ask IPO about the turret rooms. They have KING beds only and are on floors 3,4 and 5. There are 6.

 

[ClareH37]

Good luck. Perhaps the turret rooms now are in their own category? If you care to follow up w/ an email, you might ask IPO about the turret rooms. They have KING beds only and are on floors 3,4 and 5. There are 6.

OK, will ask I guess I'll find out more when I check in, not too long to wait

 

[BCV23]

Clare, if you do end up in the second floor king rooms you can get to your room without taking two elevators. You would just need to use the pool elevator which is accessed near Gasparilla's. You do need a CL key so it's secure.

To get to the lounge from the second floor you use that same elevator.

I'm sure there are stairs in case of fire but they may be locked so you can't enter the floor KWIM.

 

[ClareH37]

That doesn't sound too bad, I'm much happier getting just one elevator, although hopefully I'll get a room on the 3rd floor.

 

[BCV23]

The photos are killing me, k&a&c'smom and johnsonet. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to get back.